You would think by this point in medical science we would have found the best way to stop bleeding, but a College Junior at New York University is spearheading research that might change the way wounds are cared for. Joe Landolina is working with senior researchers at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey to develop a substance called Veti-Gel, an easy to use compound that can stop bleeding almost instantly.

Veti-Gel works by interacting with the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the human body. Believe it or not, you are not wall-to-wall cells. The collection of carbohydrates and fibrous proteins in the space in-between cells is the ECM. Veti-Gel is mainly composed of plant proteins that mimic the human ECM, allowing the gel to bind to existing tissues around a wound. Not only does the application of Veti-Gel act as a physical barrier to bleeding, it activates clotting factors from its interaction with the ECM to accelerate the body’s natural healing process.

Early research on the substance is promising. Researchers have been able to stop bleeding in mice from internal liver injuries, and punctures to the carotid artery. There is also speculation that Veti-Gel could protect and heal burns. Human trials are still pending, but you can see Verti-Gel in action in the above video. A three-inch incision is made in a pig liver, then blood is pumped in. Veti-Gel stops the bleeding in a matter of seconds.

Veti-Gel isn’t the only compound designed to seal up wounds. The US Army uses QuickClot gauze, and hospitals sometimes apply a gelatin-based substance called Floseal. Landolina’s project would have several notable advantages if it works in practice. First, it would be extremely easy to manufacture as it’s entirely plant-based. Additionally, Veti-Gel can be stored at room temperature.

Landolina has filed a patent, and is applying for FDA approval. He hopes to receive a Department of Defense grant to help develop Veti-Gel into a real product.